#IAmSuburbanMom trends as women protest racism and police brutality, say ‘men need to stop’ speaking for them
The protests and riots seeking justice for George Floyd have blurred boundaries as people from different sections of society, race, and gender have come forward to join the fight against the injustices faced by the black community.
Social media platforms are playing an important role in the historical revolution by providing platforms for people to be able to speak up. In one such trend which has taken over Twitter, internet users are seen using #IAmSuburbanMom to represent the voice of all women and mothers who fear the lives of their children and families from police brutality.
The trend started when Minnesota Senator Paul Gazelka asked Governor Tim Walz in one of his public comments: "Where is the apology to the moms out in the suburbs scared to death?"
Several women have stated that they don’t deserve to be silenced simply because they belong to a white community or based on their economic background or gender, as they are also genuinely worried about their black friends and police brutality.
One Twitter user wrote, “Don’t try and take the heat off white men by putting the focus on white women. Suburban moms are through with police brutality and racism too. And while we’re at it we want that sexual predator out of the White House as well. #IAmASuburbanMom”
Many of them said that an apology was not what they expect from the government, but actions that prove impactful in curbing the issue of racism.
One user wrote, "If anyone apologizes to me because they think I deserve an apology more than every single black person in America is owed an apology, I will knee them in the fu*king groin. #IAmASuburbanMom"
“I am a surburban mom. I have benefitted from my privilege. I am not afraid of protestors, and I’m not even afraid of the rioters. I’m afraid for my black friends and family members that are being targeted by the police. Men need to stop speaking for me. #IAmASuburbanMom,” added another.
Internet users have also noted in anger that Floyd called for his mother when he was being knelt on by Derek Chauvin, thus all women stand in solitary for the safety and rights of their children, irrespective of race.
“#IAmASuburbanMom When George Floyd called out for his Mama, he called up a great power. He called up the suburban mom, the rural mother, the urban mama, we moms, we heard his call, in our bones. We are coming George, to answer your call. Your cry will not go unanswered,” wrote one.
“I am a suburban mom and I am Black. I demand the end to systematic racism and the injustice killing of Black and Brown people! #IAmASuburbanMom”, added another.